Spot rates from Asia to north-western Europe fell to $738 per teu, or nearly half the level of just two months ago.
The fall has been met with a decisive response from lines, which are reducing the number of sailings to tighten supply.
Some 11 weekly voyages amounting to 100,000 teu have been blanked (skipped), with 10 of those in the first fortnight of October, according to analyst Drewry.
